Garmen Factory And Chemical Warehouse Fires In Bangladesh Killed 16 People

JAKARTA - A fire at a garment factory in Bangladesh and a chemical warehouse next to it on Tuesday killed 16 people and injured several others.

The death toll is expected to increase as rescue efforts continue.

"Sixteen bodies have been found from the second and third floors of the garment factory," said Tajul Islamic Fire Department Director Chowdhury.

A fire broke out around noon on the third floor of a seven-story factory in the Mirpur area, the capital of Dhaka.

The fire quickly spread to a chemical warehouse that stores bleach, plastic, and hydrogen peroxide powders, said Talha Bin Jashim, another firefighter, citing witnesses.

The grieving relatives gathered to find their loved ones, some of whom held close to the photos.

Chowdhury said the factory owner had not been identified. Police and soldiers are looking for the person.

"We don't know about the permit yet. However, as far as we've heard, it's illegal. We'll be able to confirm once the investigation is complete," he said.

In a message of condolences, the head of the interim government of Bangladesh, Muhammad Yunus, expressed his deep condolences for the tragedy.

He ordered authorities to investigate the cause of the fire and ensure their victims and families receive all necessary assistance.

Bad fire and building safety standards cause dozens of similar disasters in Bangladesh each year, and previous accidents have tarnished the country's textile sector, which employs 4 million people and accounts for more than 10% of the country's gross domestic product.

In 2013, more than 1,100 people died when the Rana Plaza-story building housing the garment factories suddenly collapsed.

On Tuesday, 12 firefighters managed to control the fire at the factory after nearly three hours, although the fire in the warehouse was still on.

Members of the Bangladeshi Army, police, and border guards participated in the rescue operation.